I ENTIRELY agree with Brian Simpson that people in Warrington need to get behind HS2 – a project both he and I have supported for some time.

Not only would this investment in infrastructure bring an estimated £8bn to the region, the new line will also free up capacity on the West Coast Main Line, allowing for faster and more frequent services from Warrington to Birmingham and London.

However, it is somewhat disingenuous to imply that it is only Home Counties Tories opposing this project.

I recently spoke in favour of HS2 in a Parliamentary debate and a number of Labour MPs (predominantly from London and the Midlands) lined up in opposition.

Interestingly, in that debate Labour’s transport spokesman confirmed that it is no longer Labour party policy to support HS2 – both the Conservatives and Lib Dems put this in their manifestos and it also featured in the coalition agreement.

Perhaps Mr Simpson might better focus his efforts towards talking some sense into his colleagues on Labour’s front bench and encouraging them to exercise some leadership, rather than their usual opportunism.

DAVID MOWAT MP Warrington South